Marietta, Ohio — The 2009 Marietta College cross country season officially kicked off Saturday (Sept. 12) morning when the Pioneers hosted six other schools for the 7th annual Carl Broughton Invitational at the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area. [Men's Results] [Women's Results]

Otterbein College, who finished with 44 points, claimed first place in the women's competition for the third straight season, while California University of Pennsylvania won the men's race with 37 points. Marietta's men compiled 57 points to place third, one point shy of second place Robert Morris University. The Pioneer women finished with 99 points to place fourth overall.

"This was a great way to begin our season, racing in front of our home fans," Head Coach Derek Stanley said. "The men are off to their best start since I have been here. The women, who are slowed by some injuries and some illnesses, also ran well today. I am confident that we will continue to progress as a team and excited to see where that leads us as we move through the season."

Senior Michael Siringer (Willowick, Willoughby South) led Marietta across the 8K course by finishing sixth with a time of 27:56.09. Senior Josh Mickle (Madison, Madison) crossed the line in 10th place with a time of 28:22.54. Sophomore Terrance Wallace (Westerville, Westerville Central) and freshman Caleb Ellis (St. Albans, W.Va., St. Albans) were right on Mickle's heals, finishing in 12th and 13th place, respectively. Wallace had a time of 28:42.13, while Ellis finished in 28:42.29. Senior Cody Thomas (North Olmsted, North Olmsted) was the fifth Pioneer to finish. He placed 16th with a time of 29:00.12. Freshman Caleb Muller (Columbus, Bexley) followed him across the line in 17th place with a time of 29:15.32. Junior Max Kenngott (Akron, St. Vincent-St. Mary) rounded out the top seven with a 21st place finish after running a time of 29:43.43.

Senior Stephanie Williams (Vincent, Warren Local) paced the Pioneer women in their 5K competition with a 12th place finish. Williams covered the course in 21:05.01. Senior Randi Robertson (Avon Lake, Avon Lake) finished 15th with a time of 21:16.18. Senior Shannon McDonald (Lorain, Amherst Steele) was not far behind, taking 18th with a time of 21:26.58. Junior Mehgan Cline (Dublin, Coffman) and senior Kaity Smith (Essex Junction, Vt., Essex) finished 26th and 28th, respectively. Cline crossed the line in 22:11.01, while Smith had a time of 22:17.66. Freshman Lydia Tillmaand (Xenia, Xenia) placed 33rd with a time of 22:36.25, senior Logan Wern (North Canton, Hoover) was 41st with a time of 23:10.10 and Kelsie Markin (West Liberty, Salem) was 47th with a time of 24:18.42.

Marietta is back in action on Sept. 26 when the Pioneers compete at the Otterbein Invitational. Action is slated to begin at 10 a.m.